Having work experience helps one appreciate case discussions and various concepts taught in the class room.

…says Vijay Raman, a B.S in computer science from the University of California, San Diego who also has to his credit a work experience of 22 months as programmer analyst with Oracle Financial Services Software Inc in Edison, New Jersey.

You have an interesting profile, tell our readers about it. How has studying abroad molded you as a person?
I studied in Mumbai till 12th standard. I then went to the University of California, San Diego to pursue my B.S. in computer Science. I worked for Oracle financial services software for two years and then returned to India to pursue my PGDM from IIM Calcutta. Studying abroad was an eye opening experience and enabled me to understand diverse cultures better. It also improved my self-confidence and gave me an opportunity to study under leading experts in the field of computer science.

You have done your B.S in Computer Science from University of California, San Diego. Did you think of doing your MBA from abroad? And why is IIM C your choice?
One of my long term goals was to return to India. Hence I did not apply to universities abroad. I wanted to study in a good college in India. As IIM C is one of India’s best management institutions, I wanted to study at IIM C.

Give us an insight into your work experience as programmer analyst at Oracle Financial Services Software Inc. in Edison, New Jersey.
I was a part of the FLEXCUBE Americas implementation team and was part of a team responsible for implementing FLEXCUBE (banking software) for two banks in the US.

Tell our readers about the time you decided on the MBA and how did you prepare for the same.
I decided to do an MBA while pursuing my undergraduate degree. However, I felt I should get some work experience under my belt before applying. Hence I decided to work for two years and then pursue my MBA.

Tell us about your selection experience at IIM Calcutta highlighting the structure and the way the process is conducted.
The first step was taking the GMAT. The application consisted of a form, statement of purpose and recommendation letters. The final step was the group discussion and interview in Mumbai.

How was your experience with the GD and interview?Tell us in detail about this experience.
The GD and interview experience was good. One of the panelists asked me to give a brief summary of my background. I was then asked about why I wanted to pursue an MBA in India. The rest of the interview revolved around differences in culture between US and India and questions about my life in the US.

What would you like to tell all MBA aspirants who probably yearn to be in your shoes? Anything that they need to know and be prepared for when it comes to an MBA programme?
An MBA degree opens up a lot of career opportunities and is a very good learning experience. Having work experience helps one appreciate case discussions and various concepts taught in the class room. A good quantitative aptitude is also helpful.